Let there be bluestone ramp

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Renovation is underway on the cast-iron parts of the portico of St. Mark’s Church in the Bowery, on E. 10th St. and Second Ave. During the work, entry will be from the church’s E. 11th St. side. Also part of the plan approved by the city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission is the replacement of the portico’s deteriorated bluestone pavers with new bluestone ones, and the rehanging of the wrought-iron gates. The historic church is still raising money to add a bluestone-covered handicap-accessible ramp. Sculptures that were in the portico (and which were defaced by Spaz and other crusties a few summers ago) will reportedly be relocated elsewhere around the church property. Though the project has some critics, they are few, according to Reverend Winnie Varghese, the church’s pastor. “All of the local leadership that I know of has been in full support of the entire project, and have taken offense at the objections of a few individuals who seem to pretty radically misunderstand the project,” she said. The project is funded by a Partners in Preservation grant and congregation members’ donations.